Our story

Michael Hong was raised in Texas and started his career in Georgia. Prior to joining Taycor Financial, Mr. Hong started his career in equipment leasing and financing in 2001 in the proverbial mailroom as an intern for an east coast company. He transitioned and gained experience through multiple roles at the company finally serving as the VP of Business Development before moving to California.

Mr. Hong joined the Taycor Team in 2011 as the Director of Business Development. He was responsible for the company’s development of several key technologies and process efficiencies that were pivotal to the last several years of growth and evolution. In 2015, Mr. Hong was promoted to President and CEO where he leads the overall growth and operational strategy for the company. Mr. Hong is married to Mimi, and they have 2 daughters, Evelyn and Gracie. He no longer has free time but used to enjoy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and staying active.

Daniel Stangu was born and raised in Romania (Transylvania). He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, majoring in software design and implementation.

Mr. Stangu draws on over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He began his career as a quality engineer but has held various positions over the years focused on better scaling products. Additionally, his background includes experience in communication media, technology companies, and retail as well as taking responsibility for the product development portfolio in banking and financial services at Cognizant Softvision. He joined Taycor as Chief Technology Officer in 2022.

In 2006, Daniel and his wife moved to the US, which they now call home. In his spare time, Mr. Stangu enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. Their activities include all kinds of gardening projects and bicycle trips to the beach. He has also been a middle school volleyball coach and is waiting for a chance to coach again.

Javier Mendoza was born and raised in Southern California. After graduating high school Mr. Mendoza joined and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He later obtained his BS in Finance with Latin Honors from Southern New Hampshire University. Mr. Mendoza will oversee the Credit and Risk departments, including internal Credit and Risk policies, Vendor Management, Auditing, and Portfolio Performance. He will be heavily involved in the day-to-day Credit Operations, will improve upon, and create Credit Risk procedures, oversee the Internal Auditing course of action, and work with the lending partners to maintain Taycor’s stellar Portfolio Performance.

Mr. Mendoza is a long-standing CLFP who started his journey in the finance industry as an account executive for United Funding Group in 2004. He quickly rose to the role of Funding Manager before moving on to more senior positions with different finance companies. In 2011 he joined Maxim Commercial Capital and remained there as an instrumental part of the company until joining Taycor Financial in 2023.

Mr. Mendoza is married to his amazing wife, Maria, and they have three wonderful children. Mr. Mendoza enjoys spending time with his family. During the weekends they can frequently be found at the beach, theatre, or spending time in Julian, CA.

Drew Olynick was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Olynick’s path to California began in New York where he played hockey at Union College and studied Economics. After college, he began his career with Mellon Bank and later Morgan Stanley Chase Bank before moving west.

In 2003, Mr. Olynick joined Taycor as an Account Executive. During his tenure, he served in a number of capacities including Sales Manager and VP of Sales. In 2007, Mr. Olynick became a partner in Taycor’s Boston office and oversaw its opening and growth. In 2010, he returned to California to continue as VP of Sales and grow originations. Today as Partner, he continues to oversee a team of originators along with handling Taycor’s syndication. Mr. Olynick earned his Certified Leasing and Finance Professional (“CLFP”) designation in 2016 and became a member of NEFA. He continues to be passionate about building relationships and providing financing solutions.

Mr. Olynick is married with 2 children. In his free time he helps coach his son’s club hockey team as well as play on a team of his own. He enjoys snowboarding, the beach, and spending time with his family.

Eric Foster was raised in Kansas and Southern California, and started his career in Lima, Peru.

Prior to joining Taycor, Mr. Foster spent 20 years developing high-impact revenue generating initiatives for Tech, Fintech, and brick & mortar businesses, including j2 Global, KeepItSafe, SugarSync, Currency and AquaWorks.

Mr. Foster has been leading marketing initiatives in Fintech since 2017 and joined Taycor in 2019.

Mr. Foster is married with 3 children. In his free time he likes to cook, surf, ski, camp and spending time with family.

Leanna Lodato was born and raised in the East Bay Area of Northern California. She moved to Los Angeles to study Sociology at Loyola Marymount University, where she grew to love Southern California. Following graduation, she held administrative roles in legal and educational industries before ultimately setting her sights on Human Resources. Later, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Human Resources at Pepperdine University.

Mrs. Lodato began her HR management career working in manufacturing and engineering industries, as well as in public media. During this time, she developed Human Resources departments and facilitated the development of organizational structure and growth. In 2021 she joined Taycor as the Director of Human Resources.

In her free time, Mrs. Lodato enjoys traveling with her husband, son, and their dog. She especially loves being outside and enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather.